A deep reverence for one's unique spiritual journey, meaning: I will not attempt to convert you. You are on your own sacred path and it will look differently than mine.
A commitment to social justice, meaning: I recognize that spirituality is a necessary resource to help individuals and communities survive, thrive, and make the world a better place.
Epistemic humility, meaning: we only know what we know because of our own experiences and can learn so much from those that are different than our own.
An appreciation for critical engagement, meaning: Your questions are sacred (even if you never get your answers). To voice your truths and doubts is proof that you are showing up authentically; there is no other way.
Our bodies and cultures are sources of deep knowledge, meaning to reclaim them is an honor and a privilege.
A high respect for the standards and codes of ethics that help ensure a healthy and appropriately boundaried director-directee relationship.
My values:
I established These Sacred Pathways to offer personalized and confidential support to those exploring faith and spirituality on the margins. My focus is on providing non-judgmental, inclusive, interculturally competent, and trauma-aware care to individuals rediscovering their spirituality after leaving their faith.
During individual and group spiritual direction sessions, I facilitate an open and compassionate space where we can:
reflect on your lived experiences with religion and spirituality
engage in the processes of discernment, deconstruction and/or reconstruction
recognize and embrace their inner wisdom and autonomy
receive support on your spiritual journey--no matter where it leads
My practice is informed by a decade of theological education and spiritual care training, and an ongoing commitment to rigorous ethical standards and my personal and professional development.
My work as a spiritual director:
Spiritual Direction
Spiritual Direction is a process that connects people who are curious about examining their spiritualities ("directees") with a trusted and compassionate figure ("the spiritual director") who can accompany them on their journey.
The goal of spiritual direction is to help individuals embrace an authentic spirituality that cultivates inner wisdom and groundedness, so they can face life's challenges.
What is spiritual direction?
I am open to working with anybody who is interested in examining their own spirituality, but I specialize in working with people who are undergoing religious deconstruction/reconstruction, namely from Christianity.
This group typically comprises:
(Current and former) church members, lay leaders, seminarians, and clergy
PhD students in religion and theology
People from historically minoritized communities within Christian spaces (ex: BIPOC, Q/TPOC, LGBTQ+, and Neurodiverse individuals)
Exvangelicals, religious "nones," and others who are navigating life post-Christianity
Who are your clients?
What makes These Sacred Pathways different?
I believe that being human means that various aspects of your life are always changing--including your spirituality!
I also believe, like St. Ignatius did, that "God [is] in all things," so even the most unlikely sources can be spiritually enriching.
Another distinctive aspect of my approach to spiritual direction is my recognition that many traditional spiritual practices don't work for everyone.
Is spiritual direction therapy?
Not exactly.
Although both are spaces where people can talk through their lived experiences with faith/religion/spirituality, connect with their innermost selves, or discern how to approach an aspect of their lives, spiritual direction is not a substitute for psychological care. Because spiritual directors have an ethical duty to only work within their scope of practice, they must acknowledge their limitations and refer clients to more specialized professionals when necessary.
Many people find spiritual direction to be a helpful complement to therapy.
What do these sessions look like?
Is spiritual direction only a Christian thing?
Not necessarily! Because every culture uses some kind of spiritual framework to understand life, the practice of spiritual direction isn't limited to any specific tradition.
While it's true that Catholic [ex: Ignatian (Jesuit), Franciscan, or Benedictine] spiritualities are the foundation for most Christian/West, there are many spiritual directors who work within non-Christian, interfaith, and non-religious frameworks. You can always ask potential directors about their backgrounds and approaches.
During individual and group spiritual direction sessions, I facilitate an open and compassionate space where we can:
reflect on your lived experiences with religion and spirituality
engage in the processes of discernment, theological deconstruction and/or reconstruction
recognize and embrace your inner wisdom and autonomy
receive support on your spiritual journey--no matter where it leads
We do this through conversation, creative exercises, movement, and being in tune with our emotions and our bodies.
Maybe stillness doesn't work for you because you have ADHD.
Maybe your way of praying is "with your feet" at demonstrations against injustices.
Maybe the holiest work you can do is to offer your inner child compassion.
Maybe allowing yourself to play, fail, fall in love, change your mind, or embrace your full self is how you will encounter the Divine.
All of these approaches (and more) may not fit into traditional models of spiritual practices, but they are powerful ways to discover what you need for your spiritual journey.
*In the tradition of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Joshua Heschel.
Are these sessions confidential?
Yes. Confidentiality is key to establishing rapport and trust between a client and a spiritual director. The only exceptions to this rule are if a client:
gives consent for the director to communicate with an outside person, like their therapist or ordaining body.
indicates that they are a danger to themselves or others
indicates that a minor or elder in their presence is being harmed
FAQs about Spiritual Direction:
...don't know how to get grounded?
...am burning out in seminary or ministry? Or am seriously questioning my vocation?
But what if I...?
... have serious theological questions or doubts that have gotten me in trouble?
...am Queer, neurodivergent, have had negative experiences with the church, or don't really even believe in God?
...am more connected to God when I am in nature, move my body, enjoy a meal with loved ones, or literally anything else than go to church?
... you are not getting graded and you don't have to pretend here. Spiritual direction is a great place for authentic reflection however it presents itself.
Don't worry...
...this is part of why I do this work. In March 2021, the clergy attrition rate was 42% and that number has risen steadily since then. I offer a confidential and supportive presence to help you process challenges, discern whether to stay or go, and to find sustaining practices, no matter what.
...Simply talking things out or stillness in meditation doesn't work for everyone. Some people need to stim, draw, walk, or dance to feel connected to themselves, others, or their environments. This can be a place to discover what works for you.
...to quote Tobias Fünke, "there are dozens of us!" Let's explore what you need to feel connected and centered.
...Then, welcome. You aren't the first nor will you be the last person to feel this way. Thankfully, the goal is not to get you to conform to a particular model of spirituality, but to be reflective and intentional about what is most aligned for you in this season.
Is Spiritual Direction Right For Me?
When you are certain you'd like to start working together:
Prior to your consultation or first session (whichever comes first), please submit this form:
Please fill out these forms:
Important Forms:
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Surplus Rate ($150)
Standard Rate ($75)
Student Rate ($25)
In order to subsidize sessions for lower-income clients, These Sacred Pathways operates under a tiered pricing system.
If none of these options work, or you have any questions, please contact billing@thesesacredpathways.com
One (1) 60 minute spiritual direction session
Rates and Payments:
